From the House Republican Caucus
Salem, Ore. – Today, the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee held a public hearing on HB 2410 and HB 2038 sparking a path toward a future powered by clean and reliable nuclear energy. HB 2038 directs the Department of Energy to study the economic and energy benefits, feasibility and safety of nuclear energy and report back to the legislature by Sep. 15th, 2026.
“Oregonians are frustrated with the rising costs of utilities and an increasingly unreliable energy grid that affects their day-to-day lives,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “House Republicans are committed to reducing energy costs for Oregonians, and with nuclear energy, we can modernize our energy infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, while reducing the cost of living for families across our state.”
“Nuclear energy has the potential to be the largest source of clean energy in Oregon while creating good-paying jobs and promoting economic growth in our communities,” said Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). “HB 2038 will study the safety, reliability, and benefits of using locally produced nuclear energy to power our state while reducing emissions.”
“It has been 45 years since Oregon outlawed the construction of nuclear power plants and technology has advanced during that period,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport), one of the bill’s chief-sponsors. “Oregon is a leader in clean energy and, if we are to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we must at least study nuclear energy as a viable and reasonable alternative.”
HB 2410 is a bipartisan bill that allows the Energy Facility Siting Council to issue a site certificate for a small modular reactor energy facility demonstration project in Umatilla County. The bill includes reporting requirements from the Department of Energy along with funding for the demonstration project. If successful, voters in Umatilla County will have the opportunity to approve the measure during the 2026 November general election.
“This legislation represents a crucial step toward ensuring Oregon’s energy independence, economic resilience, and environmental responsibility,” said Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo), author of HB 2410 and vice-chair of the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee. “Oregon’s rural communities, including those I represent, face significant challenges in securing reliable and affordable energy. As we continue to experience increasing demand, coupled with concerns over grid reliability, it is imperative that we explore diverse and sustainable sources of power,” Rep. Levy concluded.
